One state senator is calling it a career in politics after serving 25 years.

District 24 Senator Jerry Behn of Boone (R) was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 1996. He says he’s been through different times in the Senate when the Republican as well as the Democratic party had control of the House, Senate and Governor’s office and when the Senate had equal representation of both major political parties. He talks about what was the most enjoyable part of being a legislator.

“People have called, left a message, or got a hold of me first hand and said they had a particular issue, a particular problem. We were able to check with staff, get a hold of the department and then solve that problem. I’d say that’s been one of the greatest pleasures of the office itself is literally being able to solve some problems for individuals.”

Behn describes what his goal was from the moment he started in the legislature until the end of this year.

“My whole goal in being down there was to leave an Iowa for my children and grandchildren that was as good as or better than the Iowa that was left to me by my grandparents or parents. I think overall we did that.”

Behn says after he officially retires from the Senate at the end of the year, he looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and focusing on his farm.